NARISHIGE USM-10 Magnetic Base
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | USM-10 |
| Mounting Rod Diameter | 10 mm |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 35 × 25 × 47 mm |
| Weight | 55 g |
| Magnetic Type | Permanent Rare-Earth Magnet |
| Compliance | ISO 9001–certified manufacturing |
| Material | Anodized aluminum housing with neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet assembly |
Overview
The NARISHIGE USM-10 Magnetic Base is an ultra-compact, high-stability mechanical mounting solution engineered for precision life science and micro-manipulation applications. Designed to serve as a foundational anchoring platform in confined workspaces—such as inverted microscope stages, electrophysiology rigs, or patch-clamp setups—the USM-10 employs a high-coercivity sintered neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) permanent magnet housed within a rigid, anodized aluminum chassis. Its operation relies on direct ferromagnetic surface coupling: when engaged, the magnet generates a uniform, non-decaying holding force exceeding 80 N (typical) on clean, flat steel surfaces ≥5 mm thick, ensuring zero drift under static load conditions typical of micromanipulator positioning (e.g., hydraulic or piezoelectric three-axis units). Unlike electromagnets or vacuum-based mounts, the USM-10 requires no power supply, cooling, or maintenance—making it ideal for long-duration experiments where thermal stability and electromagnetic silence are critical.
Key Features
- Permanent NdFeB magnet core delivering consistent, temperature-stable adhesion without power dependency or heat generation
- Compact footprint (35 × 25 × 47 mm) and low mass (55 g) enabling integration into space-constrained optical paths and multi-instrument configurations
- Ergonomic manual lever mechanism for rapid, tactile magnetic engagement/disengagement—fully operable with one hand while wearing gloves
- Integrated 10 mm diameter stainless steel mounting rod with fine-threaded M6 × 0.75 pitch for secure attachment of NARISHIGE-compatible manipulators (e.g., MO-202, MN-401), injection holders (IM-11-2), or custom adapters
- Anodized aluminum body providing corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, and compatibility with cleanroom Class 1000 environments
- Zero-movement retention verified under vibrational loads up to 5 Hz (IEC 60068-2-6 compliant testing)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The USM-10 is intended exclusively for use on ferromagnetic substrates—including mild steel, stainless steel grades 430 and 410, and nickel-iron alloys—with minimum thickness ≥5 mm and surface roughness Ra ≤3.2 µm. It is not suitable for non-ferrous surfaces (e.g., aluminum, copper, glass, or polymer-coated metals) unless paired with a certified ferromagnetic adapter plate. All units are manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems at NARISHIGE’s Chiba Prefecture facility in Japan. While the device itself carries no CE marking (as it falls outside EU Machinery Directive scope), its materials comply with RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. Documentation includes traceable batch certification and material safety data sheets (MSDS) per GHS standards.
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical mounting component, the USM-10 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or software interfaces. It operates independently of digital control systems and introduces no electromagnetic interference (EMI) to adjacent instrumentation—critical for low-noise electrophysiology, single-cell imaging, or quantum sensing platforms. However, its dimensional repeatability (±0.02 mm positional tolerance after repeated engagement cycles) supports GLP-compliant experimental documentation when used in conjunction with calibrated manipulators. Full audit trails for instrument setup—including USM-10 serial number, mounting location coordinates, and substrate verification records—can be maintained within laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN) adhering to 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
Applications
- Stabilizing NARISHIGE MO-series hydraulic micromanipulators during intracellular electrode placement or microinjection protocols
- Securing IM-series injection holders for reproducible capillary positioning in zebrafish embryo microinjection or C. elegans gonad injections
- Mounting auxiliary optics (e.g., LED illuminators, fiber-coupled sensors) on steel optical tables without drilling or adhesive residues
- Serving as a modular anchor point in multi-axis robotic microhandling systems requiring sub-micron positional integrity over >24-hour sessions
- Enabling rapid reconfiguration of electrophysiology rigs between whole-cell patch clamp and sharp-electrode recording configurations
FAQ
Can the USM-10 be used on stainless steel surfaces?
Yes—but only on ferritic or martensitic stainless steels (e.g., SUS430, AISI 410, 430FR). Austenitic grades (e.g., SUS304, 316) are non-magnetic and will not support reliable adhesion.
What is the maximum allowable surface temperature during operation?
The NdFeB magnet retains full coercivity up to 80 °C; prolonged exposure above this threshold may cause irreversible flux loss. Ambient operating range: −10 °C to +60 °C.
Is the mounting rod interchangeable with other diameters?
No—the USM-10 is dimensionally optimized for 10 mm rods. For 6 mm applications, the USM-6 variant must be selected.
Does the USM-10 require periodic recalibration or maintenance?
No. As a passive mechanical component with no wear-prone moving parts beyond the lever pivot (lubricated for lifetime service), it requires only periodic visual inspection for surface contamination or mechanical damage.
Can multiple USM-10 units be stacked or coupled?
Stacking is not recommended due to magnetic field interference and reduced net holding force. Parallel deployment on separate steel surfaces is preferred for multi-point stabilization.
